Thursday, May 15, 2008

Waiting for the Return

My family is eagerly awaiting the return of my son from his deployment in Iraq. Although I don’t have to worry about OPSEC (operational security for you non-military-types) like Lt G at the Kaboom blog, I do have to be concerned about privacy because of my past jobs, and to some extent my current job. So, taking a page from Lt G’s book (and because I think he’s extremely clever, if you haven’t read his blog, you’ve missed a treat), I’ll use pseudonyms for the people I discuss on this blog, unless they’re already in the “public eye.”

That said, back to my family. We’re all waiting for Cpl Devildog to come home from Iraq. He married Florida Girl in August, left for training in September and deployed in October, so we’re giving them some time to get reacquainted rather than descending en mass on them to welcome him home. The two of them are coming to visit us over the Memorial Day weekend, so we’ll get to see them soon. I just have to exercise a little more patience. I can do it. I know I can.

My granddaughters, PrincessPink and Curlylocks, and I made a banner out of a white sheet and Sharpie markers and sent it to FloridaGirl to hang up for us. My 20-month old grandson, T-man, did his best to help and managed to sufficiently distract grandma so that she actually spelled Cpl Devildog’s name wrong. Ever try to hide red, permanent Sharpie ink on a white sheet. Bleach doesn’t work, but white fabric paint will (sort of) cover it up. I can just imagine the abundant grief I’ll get (and deserve) from Cpl Devildog. “Jeeze, Mom, you can’t even remember how to spell my name. Did you even remember me when I was gone?” You get the picture. He likes to tease, and I’m bracing for the impact. Seriously, though, we’re just waiting for him to get home, safe and sound. All of us; FloridaGirl, his dad and I, and his sisters (Sevilla and the GymQueen, as well as her husband, PerfectMan) just want him home save and sound. I can wait. I can do it. I know I can!

I want to first thank you and all of your family for the sacrifices and service to our country. It is of great comfort to know there are families such as yours out there still willing to sacrifice and serve with great honor. Reading the comments from the rest of your family and friends lets me see how strong you are ( As your Grandmother)and close you are to that which you hold dear. I admire, respect and find these qualities to be the defining core which our country has been built upon. I think everyday about those on watch for us and pray each day they would all return to their mothers safe.